Frigidaire Front Load Washer Won't Spin? (We Have A Fix)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

Washing machines are a modern appliance that many of us couldn’t imagine living without. They save so much time compared with hand washing, not to mention water. It’s only natural to panic a little when your washer is out of sorts.

If your Frigidaire front loader won’t spin, it’s likely due to a break in power, or a broken drive belt can interrupt the spin cycle.

If your clothes come out of the washer still sopping wet, you know immediately that it didn’t spin. That’s because it’s the job of the spin cycle to push the water out of your clothes like a salad spinner.

In some cases, you may need to call a repairman for more complex issues. But there are a lot of potential causes that a DIYer can identify and fix themselves.

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Make Sure Your Washer Is Balanced

Front load washers have large basins, also called drums, suspended among various mechanical parts. As a result of this design, the drum will not spin if it is at all off-kilter.

Check if your load is poorly distributed. Are you washing heavy coats, comforters, or sheets that might bunch up? Rearrange what’s in your washer, and try the spin cycle again.

If you’ve just installed your washer, it’s possible that the whole machine is uneven. Check to make sure the floor or washer platform is level. Excess noise and vibration are two other signs that the machine might be on an unleveled surface.

Check Your Power Supply

Wondering why your washer stopped halfway through the load? Be sure to check for these simple solutions before moving on to the more complicated, mechanical issues.

If your electrical outlet is directly behind your washer, check to make sure it’s still plugged in. While this sounds silly, washing machines have a tendency to bounce around. If your outlet is too close, the washer can easily bump your plug out of its socket.

Don’t use an extension cord! The motors that spin washer drums require a lot of power. Most extension cords will not be able to handle this power demand and will shut down mid-spin. Your washer should always be plugged directly into an outlet, so relocate your plug before testing other solutions.

Test Your Mechanical Components

If you’ve eliminated the above explanations, it’s time to move on to the mechanical parts. Depending on your comfort with power tools, you may choose to call a professional for these fixes. But you can still investigate in order to give your repairman a head start.

Test Your Door

The door latch and lock are two important pieces that tell the washing machine when it can start running. The washer is thankfully designed to never, ever run with the door open. So if either of these pieces is broken, the washer won’t operate.

If you tend to slam the washer door shut, you can easily damage these pieces. You can inspect these parts to see if they look damaged. They are inexpensive to replace and simple to reinstall if necessary. If you have a front load washer, ensure that water is not leaking from it.

Spin Switch

Similarly, the spin switch, or lid switch, is a dedicated piece that the washer tests before beginning the spin cycle. You can test this piece in the same way to identify if it is broken or damaged. Since the switch is so small and fragile, this is a common cause of interrupted spin cycles.

Drive Belt

This is the second most common cause of a washer that won’t spin. Remove the back panel of your washer to access the drive belt. It may have slipped off the pulleys, and you can easily put it back. If the belt is broken, you can purchase a replacement online or at a hardware store for less than $10.

Check For A Drain Blockage

It is common for washer drains to become blocked by small objects, like spare change. If the water cannot properly drain from the washer, it will not run the spin cycle.

Do Your Research

Be sure to check your washer’s manual before getting started on these fixes. You can find detailed drawings to know exactly what you are looking for and where to find it. You should also be confident when taking the machine apart that you will be able to put it back together.

You can also conduct a quick search online to save you a great deal of time. Search for your specific brand and model and read related forums. You are likely not the first person to have this issue, and a video tutorial can be a great asset.

Finally, look into your washer’s warranty. If you are still covered, you may be eligible for a free repair or replacement part. This is a good thing to know before attempting a fix yourself.

Hire a Professional

If these mechanical solutions scare you, contact your local repairman. There are many other, more complicated reasons your washer might be malfunctioning. If none of the above solutions help, you might have a broken drain pump or motor.

Be sure to get a quote first to make sure the fix makes sense for you. A typical repair will be $50-$200, which is significantly cheaper than a new machine. However, an older machine may continue to require maintenance, and these costs add up.

Upgrade Your Washer

If your washing machine continues to give you a headache, it might be time to replace it. If your washer is older, it likely uses a lot of more water and energy than necessary. A new, energy-efficient model will save you money on these utilities over time, so an upgrade is a good investment.

There are so many brands and varieties of washing machines out there. Be sure to do some research to find the right one for you before heading to the store. Knowing which brands have the best reputation among consumers can help you avoid these same problems with your next washer.

Do You Need Appliance Repair Services?

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Related Questions

Why is my washing machine so noisy?

If your machine is close to 10 years old, it’s possible your bearings need replacing. These hold the drum in place and keep it spinning efficiently and quietly. Replacing bearings costs less than $200, which is significantly cheaper than buying a new machine, and extends your machine’s life.


Should I leave my washing machine door open between loads?

Yes! Letting the washing machine dry out between loads helps prevent mold and mildew. This will extend the life of your washer, and keep it smelling fresh. Learn more ways to keep your washing machine healthy.


Are front load washers better than top loaders?

Front load washers make a lot of sense for some people. For one thing, they are stackable, which makes them ideal for small spaces. For the eco-conscious of us, they also use less water and energy than top loaders.That said, they are more expensive, typically costing $300 more than a comparable top loader. They also cost more to fix down the line. Finally, front loaders last an average of 11 years, while top loaders last 14. This makes washing machine maintenance on your front loader all the more vital.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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